This refreshing California Roll Cucumber Salad combines crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and sweet crab sticks for a tasty twist. It’s a light and colorful dish that feels like summer!
Making this salad is a breeze! I love how quick it is to prepare—just chop, toss, and serve! Perfect as a side dish or a quick snack when the cravings hit. 🥒🥑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers bring a nice crunch. English cucumbers are a great choice since they have fewer seeds. If you can’t find them, pick regular cucumbers but peel them first to reduce bitterness.
Avocado: A perfectly ripe avocado adds creaminess. If you don’t have one, you could use diced mango or even omit it altogether, but I really think it adds to the taste!
Imitation Crab: This is key for that classic California roll flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, try using diced tofu or chickpeas for protein. You can also stick with real crab if you prefer a more authentic taste!
Mayonnaise: Japanese Kewpie mayo gives a richer flavor, but regular mayo works fine too. For a lighter version, consider Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of lemon juice.
Soy Sauce & Rice Vinegar: These add a nice tang and saltiness. Tamari is a gluten-free substitute, and apple cider vinegar can be used instead of rice vinegar in a pinch.
How Do You Properly Slice Cucumbers for This Salad?
Slicing cucumbers for a salad seems simple, but you want them just right. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by washing the cucumbers to remove any residue.
- Using a sharp knife, cut off both ends of the cucumber.
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick, so they stay crisp and mix well with the other ingredients.
Feel free to experiment with slicing into half-moons or sticks if you prefer a different texture. Just remember, uniformity helps all ingredients blend together nicely!
Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 6-8 imitation crab sticks (surimi), shredded or chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie mayo preferred)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha or wasabi for a spicy kick
- Salt to taste
Time Needed:
This refreshing salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 15-20 minutes to chill. So, you can have a delicious side dish or snack ready in about half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Start by thinly slicing the cucumbers. I recommend using a sharp knife to get even slices. Place them in a large mixing bowl once they’re ready.
2. Add the Avocado:
Next, dice the avocado into small cubes and add it to the mixing bowl with the cucumbers. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the crunch of the cucumber!
3. Incorporate the Imitation Crab:
Shred or chop the imitation crab sticks, then sprinkle them over the cucumber and avocado mixture. This gives a wonderful flavor that resembles a California sushi roll!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk them together until smooth. This dressing is key to bringing all the flavors together!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together to coat, being careful not to mash the avocado.
6. Add Garnishes:
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top of the salad. If you like a bit of heat, you can also stir in sriracha or wasabi at this point.
7. Adjust and Chill:
Give the salad a taste and adjust with salt or any extra seasoning as needed. Then, cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve the salad cold as a refreshing side dish or light snack. You can garnish further with extra sesame seeds or a sprinkle of nori flakes if you like!
Enjoy this delightful California Roll Cucumber Salad at any meal, and feel free to share with family and friends! 😊
FAQ for Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Crab?
Absolutely! While imitation crab is traditional for this salad, you can use real crab meat for a more luxurious taste. Just shred it as you would with imitation crab. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, diced tofu or chickpeas can work well too!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will lose some crunch, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. To keep it crisp, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it right before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the salad ingredients in advance, but it’s best to add the avocado and dressing just before serving to prevent browning. Otherwise, you can assemble everything the day before and keep it refrigerated!
What Variations Can I Try?
This salad is versatile! Feel free to add thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch, shredded carrots for sweetness, or even a dash of sesame seeds on top. Adjust the spice levels by increasing the sriracha or adding pickled ginger for an extra kick!
